Gratitude

21 Nov 2018

This year, I am grateful for progress.

I am grateful that I have, at long last, learned to unhitch progress from the heavy cart that is perfection. I am grateful that I have learned to celebrate, appreciate, nurture the progress I have made, without a laundry list of caveats and exemptions. I am grateful that I have, at least for the most part, silenced (or at least drowned out) the voice that likes to say you might be better, but you’re still not good enough.

I am grateful for resiliency and new opportunities and old opportunities reframed in a more positive way.

I am grateful to have met almost all of the goals I set for myself this year.

Photo: Ty Hathaway

I am also grateful for the goals that I didn’t meet, because in the act of trying, I found purpose and peace.

I am grateful to discover that small changes can have a huge impact. A little over a year ago, I thought I would have to raze my life down if I wanted to be an athlete. I thought I had to start over. I am grateful that that wasn’t the case — small changes, like a van with air conditioning and a few more rest days, did the trick.

I am grateful for growth and growing pains.

I am grateful for the opportunity to further “unbox” myself in 2019 and try new types of racing and training. I am grateful that I no longer feel there is “only one way” to be successful as a mountain biker.

I am grateful for the bike community, both in real life at races, events, etc. and online through this blog, our Youtube channel and Patreon. I have never felt so supported and encouraged as I have this year.

I am grateful to not feel the way I did last year at this time.

I am grateful for the people who have helped me get to where I am now, who believed in me even when I was a mess, and still believe in me now.

I am grateful that I gave myself time to rest over the past six weeks, but I am also grateful that I get to start training again soon.

I am grateful that I still love bikes.

I am grateful that things have gotten better, and I am grateful that I am still excited to race.

I am grateful for the opportunity I have to progress, and that I have the resources and ability to do what I need to do to be a better athlete and human.

I am grateful for progress, and I’m grateful for what comes next.

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I would love to hear what you’re grateful for this Thanksgiving. Let me know in the comments below.

I’m grateful for you guys! I watch all the vids and it helps immensely having that content available when I’m unable to ride. It keeps me motivated in the gym (even when our DFW trails have been closed for 2 months) and gets me inspired to even just road ride. Hoping to do my first enduro next year as well. Keep on kicking ass guys!

I am thankful for being able to ride my bike, hike, camp, travel and just do all the things I love to do. I am thankful for my family and my best friend who is also my partner in crime and adventure buddy. And I super thankful for tacos!!!!!